Post-surgery pain and Texas heat couldn’t stop Andrea from making sweet lemonade out of a sour season. Here’s how I turned recovery into a summer of solo movie dates, healing, and fun on a budget.
When Life Gives You Lemons… 🍋
Make weekly lemonade.
That’s exactly what I did this summer.
Between constant pain, surgery, and physical therapy, I knew I had to do something—anything—to make the summer count.
And so I did.
I turned it into my very own “Movie Marathon Summer.”
Texas Heat + Recovery = Movie Time
Living in a state like Texas means one thing:
Summer never really ends.
Yes, it gets a little cooler in the winter, but it’s nothing like the East Coast I once called home.
Truth be told?
I’m not crazy about living here.
But life—and God—brought me to Texas, so I’ve decided to make the most of it…
Until He calls me somewhere else.
Making Lemonade from Life After a Coma
Recovery hasn’t been easy.
This “life after a coma” journey has tested me in every way.
But I like to think—I’m acing the test.
With limited movement and energy, traveling wasn’t in the cards.
But movie theaters?
Daytime matinees became my new mini-getaways.
- Fewer crowds
- More space for my arm sling
- Peace, air conditioning, and popcorn
- And zero pressure to smile at strangers 😌
🍿 Budget Movie Hacks
Since I haven’t worked since May, budgeting has been key.
But your girl got creative!
Here’s how I made movies affordable:
- 🎬 AMC $5 Tuesdays – Can’t beat it
- 📲 Fandango App – Every 4 movies = $5 reward
- 📞 AT&T Thanks Twosdays – 2-for-1 tickets every Tuesday
Some Tuesdays, I paid as little as $2–$6 for two tickets.
So yes… I adjusted my schedule to protect my Tuesdays. No shame. (Wink)
🎥 My Summer Movie Line-Up (Honest Reviews Ahead!)
- Dark Phoenix – Anything Marvel = automatic yes. Solid watch.
- Aladdin – Will Smith was a fantastic Genie. Loved the reboot!
- MIB: International – Started slow. Harder for my healing brain to stay engaged.
- The Lion King – Great vocals, but I still prefer the original cartoon version.
- Stuber – Funny! Stuart carried the movie with humor.
- Spiderman: Far From Home – A bit slow in the beginning. But from a teen’s view? Relatable.
- The Kitchen – Meh. Should’ve gone with Dora. Kid at heart here. 🙃
Disclaimer:
I’m not a professional movie reviewer.
These are just my thoughts—healing brain and all. So if you disagree, it’s all love. 🍿
Final Sip of Lemonade
Seven Tuesdays.
Seven movies.
Seven mini moments of healing.
“When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.”
This summer?
I made lemonade with extra popcorn and recliner seats.
Even in the midst of pain, I found joy.
Even in a season of waiting, I found escape.
Even while healing—I lived.
Phoenix: Live Love Laugh 
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